From Numbers to Narratives that Transform Businesses

Dr. Joe Perez is Senior Systems Specialist and Team Leader at the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services and a former Business Intelligence Specialist at NC State University.

• Foreword by Malcolm Hawker, Chief Data Officer. Preface. Part One: Leveraging Beauty and Brains for Effective Data Storytelling. Chapter 1: Conception—Start the Race. Chapter 2: Inception—Make the Case. Chapter 3: Perception—Motivate the Base. Chapter 4: Inspection—Give It Space. Chapter 5: Direction—Put It into Place. Glimpses into Real Life: The Pizza Delivery of Data Insights.Part Two: Driving Decisions with Data: Delight or Disaster? Chapter 6: Dominance (LOOK): Prioritizing Objectives. Chapter 7: Relevance (LINK): Finding/Presenting Relevant Data. Chapter 8: Significance (LISTEN): Drawing Conclusions. Chapter 9: Surveillance (LEVERAGE): Planning the Strategy. Chapter 10: Vigilance (LEARN): Measure Success and Repeat. Glimpses into Real Life: From Feudal Chaos to Data-Driven Equity.Part Three: Bringing Data to L.I.F.E. and Life to Data. Chapter 11: Legacy: Weaving a Story Through Time. Chapter 12: Integrity: Building Trust with Transparency. Chapter 13: Fervency – Igniting Insights with Passion. Chapter 14: Efficiency: Optimizing for Impact. Glimpses into Real Life: Lessons from the Inca Road.Conclusion: Where Stories Spark Transformation.

"A masterclass providing a framework along with practical tools and techniques, giving life to boring data, converting them into powerful stories that drive action. With his signature blend of passion, expertise, and practical insights, he empowers readers to extract actionable insights, build trust through data integrity, and inspire change with compelling visuals. This book is an essential read for those who want to transform their data into a powerful tool for innovation and business success."--Arvind Murali, Chief Data Officer“Covers the crucial topic of how we communicate the story from data. We learn to perform analysis, but the storytelling part is often overlooked, and this is where we can make valuable recommendations and drive decisions if we’re persuasive. After graduating from university with an MS in Applied Statistics, learning how to communicate with the business was one of the most painful experiences in my career. From meetings that went awry to good ideas that were forgotten but could have had an impact had I presented information differently. This book allows you to learn from real-world case studies and compelling narratives to get a jumpstart on honing your storytelling craft instead of taking years and learning through trial and error. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone, especially those who have just completed a technical degree." --Kristen Kehrer, Head of Decision Science & AI"Having seen him present first hand, it’s clear that Perez is right at home with the subject matter of crafting engaging stories with data. His frameworks are enjoyable and easy to follow, but also demonstrate a fluency and simplicity that makes the user WANT to ask the next question. Ultimately, that’s what data storytelling pangs for us to do, and Joe is an exemplary guide on the path to perfecting your data narratives." --Brian Booden, Trusted Analytics Advisor, Managing Director"Nothing is more demoralizing than discovering that the data visualizations you’ve painstakingly worked on—acquiring the data, cleaning it, and creating the visuals—are left unexamined and unused. This is where Dr. Joe Perez’s book shines. It shows how to turn numbers into compelling stories that connect us to our audiences (executives, users, or customers). Dr. Joe provides study questions at the end of each chapter to help us refine our thoughts on data storytelling, upping our storytelling game! By engaging our audiences, we can transform data from mind-numbing numbers into strategic changes that drive real impact. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants their data visualizations to connect with audiences and inspire action. I can’t wait to read the rest of the book!" --Felicia Joyner, Speaker, Senior Executive Business Analyst“A transformative journey that brilliantly bridges the gap between raw data and compelling storytelling. Dr. Joe Perez masterfully unveils a comprehensive framework that empowers readers to turn complex information into actionable insights. His unique blend of practical tools, real-world case studies, and engaging narratives makes this book an indispensable resource for anyone looking to harness the true potential of data. Whether you're a seasoned data professional or a business leader seeking to drive impactful change, this book will equip you with the skills and inspiration to become a data alchemist in your own right." --Nicholas Kelly, Author, Analytics Consultant, Data Visualization Expert "If you wish to talk about Data Visualization, the man to talk to is Dr. Joe Perez. In this book he illustrates the power of storytelling with data to support business decision making, informing readers how to creatively craft compelling data visualizations that transforms static numbers into captivating narratives that drive impactful change. Unleash the magic of data to use it as a storytelling tool to inform data-driven decisions within your organization. Walking readers through the L.I.F.E. pillars of relevant data and more, it will give you full confidence to unlock the full potential of data to transform your business. Each chapter ends with thought-provoking questions to drive home key concepts that enables readers to relate these concepts to their own data-related challenges. Numbers to Narratives is an engaging read that is an actionable framework to transform data visualizations into data storytelling." --Aaron Whittenberger, CBAP, AAC, CPOA, ICP-APO, A-CSPO "The guide we've all been looking for that transforms the way we think about data. With a perfect blend of analytical rigor and creative storytelling, this book empowers readers to unlock the true potential of their data. Dr. Joe’s approach focuses on creating visually appealing charts as well as diving deep into the art of crafting compelling narratives that fuel decision-making and drive business transformation. His unique L.I.F.E. framework (Legacy, Integrity, Fervency, Efficiency) ensures that data becomes more than just numbers. This book is a great read for anyone looking to turn data into a powerful tool for change." --George Firican, Data Governance & Business Intelligence Director"Being able to tell stories with our data is a key skill in the world we currently live and work in. This book offers a great approach to data storytelling, taking readers on a journey from raw data to compelling narratives that drive business growth. Dr. Joe blends analytical rigor with creativity, providing a roadmap for crafting effective data visualizations and making informed, data-driven decisions. I love the idea of the L.I.F.E. principles and how they drive an understanding of how to enrich data for maximum impact. Whether you are a seasoned data professional or just beginning to explore the world of data visualization, this book equips you with practical tools, engaging stories, and actionable strategies to turn data into a catalyst for innovation and meaningful change. If you are looking to unlock the full potential of your data then you must read this book!" --Nicola Askham, Data Governance Expert, Speaker"Dr. Joe Perez's “From Numbers to Narratives” is a mirror of his decades of experience and his dynamic, energetic nature. This book transforms data into compelling stories, making it a versatile and academically profound guide for professionals across industries. Recognizing that not everyone is a natural communicator, Dr. Perez speaks to those who struggle with expressing their ideas, analyzing their audience, or using data as evidence. In this book, he provides invaluable insights and practical techniques that speak to both novices and seasoned professionals, offering fresh perspectives and empowering readers to turn data into meaningful, impactful stories." --Nagim Ashufta, Founder/CEO, DRIVA"A different kind of visualization book that weaves together data storytelling, actionable insights, and the transformative "L.I.F.E." pillars of relevant data - Legacy, Integrity, Fervency, and Efficiency. Dr. Joe's signature enthusiasm shines forth on every page, and the reader can't help but be infected by his deep love for the subject matter. With FERVENT energy, he provides practical tools and real-world case studies that show how to inform and influence data-driven decisions with compelling visualizations and an accompanying data story. After years in the data industry trenches, JOE KNOWS what pays the bills, and this book wastes zero time getting right to the heart of the matter. A worthy addition to the greats of the genre, offering a fresh perspective on using data as a catalyst for business success." --Albert Bellamy, CEO, Senior BA Instructor, USMC Veteran"Dr. Joe has taken something that can be hugely complex, and turned it into an interesting, informative, and enjoyable read from which I have learned so much. This book really is tailored towards people rather than the process, and is so easy to understand that even I, who works in data but not in visualization can understand it. From the practical frameworks to the useful tools and techniques, this is a great book, with case studies and study questions in every chapter to challenge my knowledge, which I really love." --Susan Walsh, The Data Classification Guru"An exceptional resource for data professionals and business leaders alike. This book doesn't simply explain data concepts; it masterfully weaves metaphors, real-world examples, and thought-provoking questions to engage readers of all learning styles. Whether you are an experienced analyst or just starting to explore data visualization, you'll find something valuable here. Dr. Joe, a well-known data thought leader, practitioner, and dynamic speaker, brings his unique energy into the pages, making complex topics accessible and actionable. With its blend of practical tools, inspiring stories, and interactive prompts, this book equips you with the tools and strategies helping you to understand data and to turn it into a powerful force for business transformation. It's a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their data storytelling and decision-making capabilities." --Dora Boussias, Data & Tech Executive, Thought Leader"Data communication has arrived in the mainstream - there are no news articles, no business decisions and not even debates between friends that don't include facts and figures to make a point, and that make crafting compelling narratives and visualizations around data more important than ever. Joe Perez not only masterfully guides us through the art of data visualization and storytelling through case studies and best practices, but he makes it highly accessible and memorable through frameworks like “Bringing Data to L.I.F.E..” Dr. Joe's passion for data built on his decades of experience can be felt through every word, and that makes this book a highly engaging and inspiring read. A must-read for any data professional, data leader, and anyone who communicates with data. Tiankai Feng - Author of "Humanizing Data Strategy" "Dr. Joe is a rare powerhouse speaker, bringing a dynamic, evangelical energy to data conferences and beyond. In “Numbers to Narratives,” he takes the same electrifying content from his renowned keynotes and transforms it into a practical how-to guide. His signature style—blending pithy alliterations, sharp, memorable phrases, historical anecdotes, and creative frameworks— brings you on a delightful journey from raw data to real business value. A must-read for data leaders, it’s sure to earn a permanent place on your bookshelf." --Scott Taylor, The Data Whisperer"'ve known Dr. Joe as an amazing speaker, whose passion for data captivates a broad expert audience. He continues to build momentum in this field. By reading his books, I realized how closely my own perspective on data storytelling aligns with his! Dr. Joe truly makes data easy to understand, providing a comprehensive framework that can be applied pragmatically wherever you are in your data journey. This book, in particular, is a powerful tool that will help you leap forward, whether you're just starting out in your data journey or are already an expert. It offers a refreshingly genuine perspective, which is quite remarkable. Thank you, Dr. Joe, for serving the cause of data!" --Christelle Patriarca, Data/Agile Advisor, Certified Coach, Founder of Data Is Life Consulting "You know that feeling when something finally clicks? That’s what Dr. Joe Perez delivers in ‘From Numbers to Narratives.’ He takes data—something that often feels dry and distant—and turns it into a tool for growth, both personally and professionally. It feels like sitting down with a trusted mentor who’s ready to flip how you think about data on its head and show you how to turn it into stories that speak, connect, and drive action. The most powerful takeaway? Data isn’t just numbers—it’s the story you haven’t told yet. This book is a must-read for anyone who’s tired of boring charts and ready to bring their data to life in a way that makes a difference." --Terence Sathyanarayan, MBA, CIO, Entrepreneur"Aan essential read for all business employees navigating today’s data-driven landscape. As data storytelling becomes increasingly crucial for conveying the business value of data, Dr Joe offers a structured framework for transforming raw numbers into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. This book emphasizes the importance of data literacy across an organization, not just for data professionals, but for all business users who are now expected to work with data in their decision-making. Dr. Joe's dynamic writing style, rich with relevant examples from pop culture and history, brings this often-complex topic to life. His engaging writing approach - similar to his captivating presentation style - makes data storytelling accessible and highlights its importance for readers at all levels of expertise. Dr. Joe’s passion for storytelling is evident on every page, making this book an enjoyable and informative resource for data professionals and business users alike. Highly recommended!" --Peggy Tsai, Chief Data Officer, BigID"Despite many decades working with data of all types and sizes, I’m an idiot when it comes to visualizing data. I still think a donut chart is edible. I’m dumb like that. Turns out, that’s not a good approach for visualizations. It not only taught me the best steps in visualizing data for stakeholders, but how to make it simple enough to dolts like myself can understand it. It's a great book; a must-read!" --Joe Reis, Best-Selling Author, Instructor, Data Engineer, Recovering Data Scientist